Book Review: Any Dream Will Do

While Debbie Macomber's books always tend to be wholesome and clean, I hadn't really thought of her as a Christian author. This book, Any Dream Will Do, made her faith quite clear. I believe she writes a quality story and that is why she enjoys crossover appeal to the secular market. As for me, I'm always up for a good redemption story.

When Shay Benson is released from prison after serving time for embezzlement, she feels lost and abandoned. She doesn't even know where her brother Caden - her only living family member - is. Not that she really wishes to see him anyway, since he was the one who begged her to commit the crime in the first place, in order to save his life from vengeful drug dealers. Wandering into a church for a brief moment of shelter changes her life in ways she could never imagine.

Pastor Drew Douglas is still reeling from the loss of his beloved wife and mother of his two children. At nine and thirteen, the kids are struggling to regain a foothold, as well. Attempting to help Shay get back on her feet just might help the Douglas family to get back on their feet, too. As Drew and Shay grow closer, Caden reappears and brings with him a host of problems. Can Drew and Shay maintain trust in one another, despite secrets and doubts? Will the church accept Drew's interest in a woman with a blackened past?

I enjoyed listening to this audio selection. Macomber has once again provided a stellar stand-alone novel, full of hope in the midst of life's harsh realities. After receiving a lovely response from Donna Gephart for my review of her tween novel, Death by Toilet Paper, I may feel bold enough to take Debbie Macomber up on her invitation for contact (something she has issued from the outset of every one of her audio books). What a thrill to find authors who eagerly welcome reader interaction!